Swedish Crystal Tulip Vase With Square Base

About the Item

We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects. Exceptional and important Swedish crystal vase has a high percentage of lead oxide; the top has a delicate tulip shape with a richly curved rim while the magnificent base is massive and square. This aesthetically bold contrast fascinates us with its unparalleled plasticity and refinement. In addition to the perfect workmanship, which is extremely accurate and precise, the vase has a special and detailed polish, obtained with pumice and cerium oxide dissolved in water, which gives the object a very high standard of quality. In addition, the high content of lead oxide gives the crystal exceptional transparency and a high refractive index. Its shape is simple and bold, expertly proportioned, the result of intelligent aesthetic reflection in pure modern Swedish style. It was produced between 1980 and 1985 in Sweden in a craft workshop in the province of Smaland; there is an area in the region known for glass production since the 18th century called "glasriket"; from the 20th century to the present there are 13 glassworks and foundries in the area and a large number of smaller craft businesses. Initially, the glassworks were engaged only in the mass production of glass for the domestic market. As competition increased at the end of the 19th century, some glassworks, began to use designers to make special items, which were successful during the 20th century. It was then that the term Glasriket was coined when glassworks in eastern Småland came to exhibit these modern-designed items that were sold mainly abroad, unlike the other glassworks in the country that were exclusively engaged in mass production for the domestic market. One of those very small and hard-working emerging companies made our designer vase. In the south of the country, there is now a glass route between Kalmar and Vaxjo, a road on which it is possible to meet and visit many glassworks, including Kosta Boda; other important and famous Swedish glassworks are Orrefors and Maleras. In general, Swedish crystal is known for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and artistic beauty, making it highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts around the world. The vase bears a strange mark representing the stylized shape of a Viking ship, the hull has the classic shape of that type of ship with a dragon-headed prow, and on the side of the ship are ground four round points that would represent the shields of Viking soldiers, also above the dots branch off four backward sloping lines that would represent the ship's oars raised, as if the vessel were landing, below the excavation are represented the waves of the sea, all enclosed in a ground rectangle drawn with the four corners cut off. It has not been possible to precisely trace its identification, but it could be a specific mark of one of those small crystal makers we mentioned earlier, who used the Viking ship as a distinctive element, or it could be a unique design created for that particular vase. The vase is in good condition, only one corner at the base was chipped and it was chamfered slightly (see photo). Measurements diameter cm.23, height cm.35. For all our shipments we use special packaging materials (custom-made wooden crates, styrofoam, etc.) for maximum protection and safety of the items.

Dimensions:

Height: 13.78 in (35 cm)Diameter: 9.06 in (23 cm)

Style:

Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Crystal,Hand-Crafted

Place of Origin:

Sweden

Period:

Late 20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1980-1985